Tag: Kevin Wickstrom

The ATP Flight School tuition reimbursement program is one of the best deals out there for aspiring commercial pilots. Through this program, Compass provides up to $11,000 in tuition reimbursement to ATP student pilots who commit to flying for Compass after completing their hours working as an ATP flight instructor. First Officer Kevin Wickstrom is a former ATP flight instructor who took advantage of this program, and below he explains why Compass and ATP were a perfect fit for him.

What is your background in aviation?

I love being in the sky. I am a third generation pilot who, like many of my friends, grew up in the industry. It took me a while to figure out this was what I was looking for, but once I went on my discovery flight in Hawaii, I was hooked.

Why did you want to fly for Compass Airlines?

Compass was my first choice when it came to deciding on a regional airline. Its West Coast base locations, fast upgrade times, and professional reputation were among the many reasons I felt Compass was a perfect fit. I was raised in Hawaii and California, so naturally the West Coast feels the most like home. The upgrade times and attrition rate to the majors also aligned with my personal career goals. I had heard that Compass produces excellent and competent pilots, that the crews are respectful and considerate of each other and their passengers, and the pilots enjoy working there. I’ve found Compass’ all of this to be true.

What made you decide to choose ATP Flight School for your training?

I was looking around at different flight schools, but what drew me to ATP was the fast pace and the direct track to the airlines. My time as an instructor was rewarding and educational on many levels, and assisted me in this next stage of my career.

Describe your experience in utilizing the tuition reimbursement program through Compass’ partnership with ATP.

The ATP tuition reimbursement program was very beneficial to me as an instructor. I think what’s most important is how it helps us on a personal level. I went through my training at ATP Phoenix, and like most students, I took out a significant chunk of change to invest in my future. This program eased some of the stress of balancing my loan and my personal expenses. It has made the transition from flight instructor to airline pilot significantly smoother.